President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the country will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth, as he spearheaded the launch of the Department of Education's (DepEd) Project Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence (AGAP.AI).

"At the national level, we are leveraging AI as an engine for development. We are establishing the Philippine AI Program Framework for the future-proofing of our economy," President Marcos said during the launching held at the Quezon City Science High School.

[Sa antas ng bansa, ginagamit natin ang AI bilang makina para sa kaunlaran. Itinatayo natin ang Philippine AI Program Framework para sa pagprotekta sa kinabukasan ng ating ekonomiya.]

The national framework emphasizes building robust infrastructure, including high-performance computing systems and upskilling workers and educators, the Chief Executive explained.

"Through investment in AI research and development, we ensure that this technology delivers real benefits while remaining ethical and responsible," the President stressed.

[Sa pamamagitan ng pamumuhunan sa pananaliksik at pagpapaunlad ng AI, sinisiguro natin na naghahatid ng teknolohiyang ito ng tunay na benepisyo habang nananatiling etikal at responsable,]

As Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this 2026, PBBM shared that the Philippines is also developing a harmonized and human-centered AI ecosystem across Southeast Asia, concentrating on five vital sectors: finance, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

"Indeed, we are taking the lead in building an innovative environment for Filipinos, as well as for our ASEAN brothers and sisters," the President said.

[Tunay nga, nangunguna tayo sa pagbuo ng makabagong kapaligiran para sa mga Pilipino, at para sa ating mga kapatid sa ASEAN.]

The Chief Executive observed that this generation is very fortunate to live in a world where information and tools are readily available.

As a tech enthusiast, President Marcos noted that AI will help people tackle more complex challenges but it cannot replace core human qualities and responsibilities.

"You have in your hands an extraordinarily powerful tool. But you must use it to help you think and support your learning. It should never replace your drive, your creativity, and grit to learn about our world," the President emphasized.

[Nasa mga kamay niyo ang napakalakas na kasangkapan. Ngunit dapat niyong gamitin ito upang tulungan kayong mag-isip at suportahan ang iyong pag-aaral. Hindi dapat nito palitan ang inyong determinasyon, kreatibidad, at tiyaga na matuto tungkol sa ating mundo.]

"There are still some things that technology cannot do for us. Technology cannot replace discipline. It cannot replace effort. It cannot replace the habit of showing up prepared and ready to learn. It cannot replace hard work."

"That is how we build a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is enabled by technology and powered by Filipinos who choose to learn, to work and to aspire for a better future for all," said President Marcos.

[‘Yan ang paraan sa pagbuo ng Bagong Pilipinas. Pinagagana ng teknolohiya at pinapatakbo ng mga Pilipinong pumipili na matuto, magtrabaho, at mangarap para sa mas magandang kinabukasan para sa lahat.]

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